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If you remember you have anything against your brother or sister...
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Join/Donate
Faith Rivera Workshop:
Single Concert Tix-$15.00
Pairs of Concert Tix-$25.00
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Greetings!
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"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift." (Mt.5:23-24, NRSV)
In Keep a True Lent, we read that "The altar represents a fixed, definite center in the consciousness of man. It is a place within where we meet the Lord face to face and are willing to give up our sins, give up the lower for the higher, the personal for the impersonal..."
Every now and again (and probably more often than we notice), we receive opportunities to work through these lessons in our lives. I'm co-owner of a family business, and still have duties in that business. Last week I became very frustrated with
one of our vendors, and by the time I reached the person in charge, I was extremely angry. Long story short? I behaved in a way that reflected none of my truly genuine intention to live my life in alignment with my spiritual beliefs.
I was still reliving that angry conversation the next morning when I sat down with my coffee and began my morning practice of reading, Bible-study, contemplation, and writing which leads into my time of prayer and meditation.
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I realized that I wasn't focusing on my practice; I was still making a case for being "right" in the previous day's conflict. I was distracted, unable to focus, and couldn't release the physical tension in my shoulders, my stomach, jaw, and even my scalp. The fruit of frustration and anger is not sweet!
Just because we can see and observe the ways that anger and condemnation are unhelpful, we aren't necessarily always able to instantly flip the switch that returns us to center. At that point, rather than return to the peaceful center within me, my ego-brain moved into self-condemnation: "So... this is how you integrate Spirit into work? Who are you to pretend to tell people how to walk their talk?" Now I was not only angry at the other person, I was lashing out at myself. The fruit of my actions was becoming even more bitter.
Suddenly, I understood very clearly what Jesus and Fillmore meant. When we approach our times of spiritual practice, our intention is to enter that "fixed, definite center in the consciousness ...where we meet the Lord face to face" I was completely unable to center myself. That point in consciousness where we commune with the Christ of our Being is peace, integrity, authenticity; everything that we would consider Good. Spirit/ God/ the Absolute does not change to allow anger and resentment to enter just because we are angry and resentful. We must align our human consciousness with It- Spirit does not realign itself with our temporary personality-driven moods. It cannot and we would not want It to; if It did, we would have no stable ground beneath us. We could not trust It.
Jesus wasn't ordering us to behave because he's so much better than we are. He wasn't giving us a useless hoop to jump through. He was serving as our
Elder Brother, sharing helpful information with us: as long as we condemning others, we are condemning ourselves. If we wish to enjoy the peace,
guidance, comfort and other, sweeter fruits of Spirit, we must be willing to release any negative thing we hold against others or ourselves. This is simply one of the ways in which Principle works, and if we wish to approach the altar in consciousness, we must adjust ourselves. We claim our Powers of Power (Dominion), Order, Elimination (Release) and Love: "I AM is the guiding force in my life. I allow my thoughts to be adjusted and harmonized with the One Mind which is God. I release the human need to judge others and myself. I lovingly surrender to the wise discernment of my heart, and I see from the perspective of the Christ I AM."
My own next step was made clear: I needed to apologize. My ego-brain didn't agree, but it is not the boss of me. I AM is the guiding force in my life. Finally, I could relax. Finally, I could return to the altar - that point in consciousness where I go within to meet the Christ of my Being- and resume my work. Even after several days, my ego-brain continues to ramble on in the background, still making its case that I was right and the other person was wrong. And...
I AM is the guiding force in my life. I get to choose the bitter fruit of being "right" or the sweet, nourishing fruit of Spirit. Guess which I prefer?
Namaskar (which means, the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in You)
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FAITH RIVERA is Coming For a Visit!
(tickets available through links above)
Sing*Play*Shine Workshop, Sat. May 18, 1:00 - 3:00pm
(suggested love offering $15.00)
Sunday Service, May 19, 10:30am
in Concert! Sunday May 19, 1:00 - 3:00pm
(Tickets $15.00 or 2/$25.00)
Download the flyer!
Do you have stage-fright? Did someone tell you that you can't sing or that you have no rhythm? Does your creative spirit want to sing, dance, shine & finally be free?! Here's your chance to shine your light, sing & groove in a fun, nurturing, creative space! Led by Faith Rivera (Emmy-winning Singer/ Songwriter & touring Positive Music Artist) join in this "musical firewalk" on Saturday afternoon to break through the old reasons why you shouldn't sing or dance & instead, experience more creativity, joy, freedom, confidence, and empowering fun than you've ever had before!
On Sunday, Faith will share her inspiring message during our Sunday service. In the afternoon, we'll come together again to enjoy a family-friendly concert by Faith. We've enjoyed her music frequently during our Sunday services, and are thrilled to host this event. Mark your calendars and enjoy an inspiring weekend!
Also... Faith will be available for private lessons on Saturday afternoon from 3pm-5pm Take advantage of Faith's professional experience as an award-winning session singer & songwriter with 9 album releases on her own record label. Book time to learn in the areas of singing, songwriting, performing, music business, & more!
30min = $40, 60min = $75, Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/faithlesson
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UPCOMING CLASSES:
The Inner Core
Wednesdays, May 8 - June 5
10:30am - 12:30pm
Facilitator: Barb McLawhorn, LUT Cand.
This class will focus on the experience of spiritual practice in some of its many forms and possibilities. While there will certainly be some discussion, this is planned to be primarily an experiential opportunity. There are many mystical Christian practices available to us; the optimal spiritual practice is the one which calls you to actually practice on a regular basis, deepening your awareness of Oneness. Books available at class.
Myrtle & Chas. Fillmore's Teachings on Health and Wholeness (part II)
Saturdays, May 11 - June 15 (NO CLASS MAY 18th)
10:00am - 12:00pm
Facilitator: Rev. Nita Strauss
Unity was founded upon Myrtle Fillmore's experience of healing through prayer. Told all of her life that she would die of the same tubercular illness that claimed the lives of many of her relatives, she lived much of her life battling illness. At the point that she was told she probably had 6 months to live, she discovered Truth, and had the insight that, "as a child of God, I cannot inherit sickness." After her healing, Charles was motivated to study and learn what it was that had actually allowed her to heal. This class (which is required class for those pursuing Unity credentialing) will explore how we can use these same healing principles in our lives. PLEASE NOTE THAT PART I IS NOT A PREREQUISITE TO PART II. Please reply to this email for a list of required texts, all of which may be obtained in print form new or used from your favorite online bookseller, new from Rev. Nita at class, or in electronic text/pdf format at no cost.
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Evening Candlelight Meditation
Wed. May 8th
5:55pm.
Join us for a candle lit meditative time of silence, song and sacred readings.
Monthly Movie Night
People vs. the State of Illusion
Fri, May 24th, 6pm.
Doors open at 5:40. Join us for this FREE showing. Light refreshments for small charge.
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Shared Responsibilities
We have many opportunities available here at our center for people to share their time and talents. Barbara Richman, with the assistance of Susan Smith, is leading an effort to assure that everyone who attends our center has an opportunity to share in the work that is done here in order for our us to do what is ours to do. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer and yet concerned you don't know how to do a job? Shadow training will be provided for all positions. Please stop by our new Information/Welcome table, before or after services on Sunday, to find out how you can share responsibility for our work here at Unity Spiritual Center of Peace.
Child care and Sunday School is always available for kids
Our Sunday School teachers look forward to sharing Unity principles with your children aged 4-12. If you've got questions, please speak to our YOU teachers: Cindy Cawthorne, LUT, Barbara Richman, LUT, Judyth Willis, and Sunni Adams. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well.
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